Tuesday, 25 May 2010

What makes an inexperienced photographer decide he wants to cover wars in the most dangerous parts of the planet? In this documentary, filmmaker Richard Parry follows photo-journalist Robert King from his first brush with war in the Balkans in his early twenties to his Time magazine shoots in Chechnya. King seems like a danger addict and yet craves peace. His early naivity transforms itself to deep cynicism. He seems traumatised, yet continues to work.

Exposed offers a fascinating look at pictures made on the sly, without the explicit permission of the people depicted. With photographs from the late nineteenth century to present day, the pictures present a shocking, illuminating and witty perspective on iconic and taboo subjects.

Beginning with the idea of the 'unseen photographer', Exposed presents 250 works by celebrated artists and photographers including Brassaï's erotic Secret Paris of the 1930s images; Weegee's iconic photograph of Marilyn Monroe; and Nick Ut's reportage image of children escaping napalm attacks in the Vietnam War. Sex and celebrity is an important part of the exhibition, presenting photographs of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Paris Hilton on her way to prison and the assassination of JFK. Other renowned photographers represented in the show include Guy Bourdin, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Philip Lorca DiCorcia, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Nan Goldin, Lee Miller, Helmut Newton and Man Ray.

The UK is now the most surveyed country in the world. We have an obsession with voyeurism, privacy laws, freedom of media, and surveillance – images captured and relayed on camera phones, YouTube or reality TV.

Much of Exposed focuses on surveillance, including works by both amateur and press photographers, and images produced using automatic technology such as CCTV. The issues raised are particularly relevant in the current climate, with topical debates raging around the rights and desires of individuals, terrorism and the increasing availability and use of surveillance. Exposed confronts these issues and their implications head-on.

Thursday, 20 May 2010

Dangling from the trees high above the rainforest floor this extreme photographer goes to great lengths in search of the world's rarest species. Meet Guido Sterkendries - the real-life Tarzan photographer who lives in the tree-tops observing his subjects. Travelling deep into the rainforests of Panama and Brazil the Belgian ecologist and wildlife photographer spends up to two weeks at a time perched in a specially constructed canopy that allows him to climb out onto branches to photograph rare and species

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

I spotted these caterpillars on bushes near Shannon Corner New Malden covered in caterpillar silk closer inspection revealed thousands of caterpillars. I took some photographs which have now been used to in an article in the local paper.

The close up was taken using a Canon 100mm macro lens and flash set to high speed sync.

Digital photography expert, John Henshall, will host a free public lecture at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) at Farnham on Thursday 20 May 2010. John, who was awarded an honorary degree by UCA in 2009, is a pioneer in the new art and science of digital imaging. He began his career at the BBC and was later Director of Photography on hundreds of early music videos for the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, David Bowie and Elton John, plus major network productions such as Spitting Image. He is currently CEO of EPI-centre, a company providing consultancy and research into the digital imaging industry, which he founded in 1993. John has served as President of the British Institute of Professional Photography and is currently Co-Vice Chairman of the Guild of Television Cameramen. The lecture, which starts at 6pm, will be followed by a drinks reception. The evening is free of charge and open to all, however places are limited and must be reserved. To book your place, please e-mail: events@ucreative.ac.uk or call 01252 892 682

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Rolland Adams is drawing up an entry for an Art column in Kingston magazine, which has offered to give a listing for our annual exhibition in the July edition. The request is for any "seasonally appropriate" images that might be able to use on the front cover. We are looking for A4 portrait format, high res (at least 1MB 300dpi) pictures.

The picture would preferably be from ones members are entering into the exhibition or from previous competitions.

If you have a suitable image could you please contact Rolland Adams at radams7932@hotmail.com ASAP

Molesey Photographic Club is holding its 23rd Annual Exhibition at the East Molesey Methodist Church, Manor Road, East Molesey from Monday 17th May to Saturday 22nd May. Times are daily 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. except Friday until 5 p.m. and Saturday until 4 p.m.

On show will be the work of members of the club in the form of prints, pdi's and slides. You are all very welcome to come along, please also bring family and friends. Admission FREE.

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Elephant Parade is a conservation campaign that shines a multi-coloured spotlight on the urgent crisis faced by the endangered Asian elephant. Brought to you by www.elephantfamily.org, the event sees over 250 brightly painted life-size elephants located over central London this summer.

Each decorated by a different artist or celebrity, the elephants brighten and beautify the city, enhancing every park, street corner and building they grace. Running from May to July 2010, this is London’s biggest outdoor art event on record. With an estimated audience of 25 million, we aim to raise £2 million for the Asian elephant and benefit 20 UK conservation charities.

About Me

I took early retirement from the civil service where I worked for the Ministry of Defence for over 30 years as a radiation protection specialist. I am continuing this interest as an indepenent researcher and consultant.